The Alzheimer’s Association launched its
Memories in the Making program in 1986 when Selly Jenny, an artist living in Orange County, Calif. began to explore the ways patients with dementia could express themselves through art.
“Her father had dementia, and as his verbal skills were declining and she’d go for visits, she realized it was harder to communicate,” says Joan Hock, Memories in the Making and social engagement coordinator at the
Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati. “So they started painting together, and she found that he really became very engaged and showed a lot of pleasure in painting.”
At the local chapter of this national nonprofit,
13 residential facilities in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky participate in the program, while
two open community sites host this free program for individuals in the early stages of dementia.
“We also have what’s called
Time for Caregivers—it’s a place where family members receive support,” Hock says. “We want it to be a wellness model—talk with them about various things they can do for themselves and also give them a break.”
About eight individuals participate in each MIM session, which is hosted by an artist facilitator while caregivers engage in enrichment activities and supportive fellowship at the same time.
Hock says the greatest successes for individuals in the program are that they’re able to engage in an activity that creates normalcy during an otherwise turbulent time, and they’re also able to create
artwork—sometimes expressing a memory—that they can share with the world.
“People use very bright, very vibrant colors as they’re making choices,” Hock says. “And you’re nurturing yourself as you go through that.”
Do Good:
•
Purchase tickets for the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati's spring benefit
The Art of Making Memories at
Horseshoe Casino. While there, say hello to MIM artists and bid on the artwork they've created.
• Support the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati and its Memories in the Making program by
purchasing MIM notecards.
• Learn about the
Memories in the Museum program, and attend a session.
By Brittany York
Brittany York is a professor of English composition at the University of Cincinnati and a project manager for Charitable Words. She also edits the For Good section of SoapboxMedia.
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